Oregano oil, Origanum vulgare and Origanum compactum

Oregano oil is derived from two members of the mint family, Origanum vulgare and Origanum compactum

using a steam process to extract oil of oregano from the leaves and flowers of this bushy perennial herb of the (Lamiaceae) mint family. This therapeutically beneficial oil is produced from indigenous oregano that grows in the Mediterranean mountainous regions. For the last 4,000 years, the Oregano herb has been used as a medicine by healers and doctors all over the world. Origanum vulgare is the most common but Origanum compactum is highly sought after and usually more costly as it is mostly wild harvested from the mountains of Spain and Greece.
The ancient Greeks were among the first to take advantage of oregano’s medicinal qualities. The ancient Greeks and Romans had a profound appreciation for oregano oil, using it for various aromatherapy and medicinal uses. The Greeks termed the spice origanos, meaning “delight of the mountains.” After the Roman occupation of Greece, the Romans adopted the use of oregano oil and were responsible for the extensive spread and use of this oil all over Europe and Asia. The cultivated oregano herb found itself grown from China to the Middle East.

The Chinese used oregano oil primarily for medicinal purposes. Oil of oregano found popularity in United States, after veterans of World War II returned home with samples and remedies. Europe has used oregano oil internally and topically for 2000 years, where the Middle East claims the use and benefits of the essential oil of oregano for over 4000 years.

The oregano plants are harvested only when the Carvacrol, (a phenol that attributes most of the health benefits, with beneficial antioxidant effects) is at its highest levels, optimally at or above 80%. These healing phytochemical compounds or phenols called Carvacrol have powerful antimicrobial properties that have been shown to assist breaking through the outer cell membranes that help protect bacteria in your immune system. Carvacrol (antimicrobial properties) and Thymol (a natural fungicide with antiseptic properties) make the oil appear golden yellow to dark amber, with an ardent spicy odor.

Oregano oils are packed with free radical antioxidants to further support your immune system which will result in better health.

The University of Arizona in an animal study revealed that the researchers found that oil of oregano can help kill norovirus. Oregano oil is also a listed as a premier antiseptic essential oil in aromatherapy because the proportion of phenols are the highest of all aromatic plants.

This oil should be diluted with at least 50% coconut or olive oil as pure oregano is slightly caustic. A small skin test should be done before using the oil undiluted. Herbalist, Michelle Lynde, recommends a ratio of one part oregano oil to three parts carrier oil when diluting.Oregano oil is NOT advisable for children and infants. Nursing or pregnant women are also encouraged to consult their physician before using oregano oil topically or orally.

Research has shown that oregano oil promotes many positive health benefits and is one of the most potent natural remedies in existence. The eight hundred plus studies referencing carvacrol, in PubMed, the industry’s number one database for scientific evidence based literature, which confirms that the research is quite supportive of origanum oil healing qualities. Carvacrol has been proven to reverse or reduce various virus, bacteria, super bugs, and fungus.

More than 1000 pounds of oregano leaves and flowers are needed to produce just 1 pound of oregano oil. This precious commodity has been traded for over 2,500 years to use in remedies and folk medicine all around the globe. Oregano Soap Oregano oil